Murray says Kyrgios turmoil not all that unusual

World No.2 Andy Murray has jumped to the defence of under-fire Australian Nick Kyrgios, arguing that young stars need more support.

Kyrgios, who doesn’t have a coach, was fined $22,000 after turning in a sub-standard effort in a loss to German qualifier Mischa Zverev in the Masters 1000 tournament in Shanghai.

Murray, who defeated Zverev on Friday night to reach the semi-final stage, said tennis’ young stars were often unaware of the damage their words could do.

He said the fine levied on Kyrgios would likely have little impact on his future behaviour.

"I don't know if that stops that happening again. I'm not convinced about that," Murray told British media of the fine.

"I think sometimes players do need protecting as well. Sometimes he goes into press and says things he regrets. In those situations he maybe needs to be guided a little bit better and I'm sure he will learn from that.

"You don't want to to see young guys who are in the spotlight, struggling and making mistakes, doing things that ultimately hurt them," he added.

Murray’s show of support was not lost on Kyrgios, who used Twitter to pass on his thanks.

Murray said he had his own struggles with the mental side of the game during the early stages of his career, but was grateful to have former British No.1 Tin Henman to talk to when he needed.

"I struggled with it massively. We don't always talk about that, we don't always discuss it when we're that age," he said.

"Sometimes the mental health of players or athletes is not really discussed.

"As an athlete, we're supposed to be mentally strong and if you are seen to be talking about feelings or anything like that, not believing in yourself or backing yourself or struggling to cope with pressure, that's seen as a negative."